Nikola Mirotic continues to move closer to a return but he has yet to regain communication with Bobby Portis.

Mirotic suffered a concussion and two broken bones in his face during an in-practice fight with Portis in October.

"Niko had a really good week of workouts," said Fred Hoiberg. "He's continuing to ramp up his activity. He had good strength workouts and he's increasing his workload on the floor, so we're hoping to get him back with the team shortly."

Hoiberg also said Mirotic has been increasing his communication with his teammates.

"Guys have been good," Hoiberg said. "Niko's been in the building with our team; guys have been in there with him. He's still working on his own as he continues along the rehab process, but things have been going well from that standpoint."

Mirotic has yet to retract his request that the Bulls either trade him or Portis. The Bulls hope that Mirotic and Portis will be able to move past the altercation.